The Substation/​ Visit/

Located on the lands of the Yalukit-willam of the Kulin Nation in the heart of Newport, The Substation is a stone’s throw away from the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River).

Train
The Substation is located approximately 200 metres from Newport train station, which is wheelchair accessible. Please note Newport train station ramps have a steep gradient and may be difficult for some wheelchair users.

Bus
Buses 471, 947 & 432 (and train replacement buses) stop at the Newport Interchange bus stop, which is 210 metres from The Substation. The path from the bus stops to The Substation are step-free with pedestrian crossings along Market Street.

Car
There is ample off-street car parking on both sides of the building, including accessible parking spaces. There are additional car spaces accessible via Derwent Street, 150 metres from the building.

The closest accessible car spaces are less than 100 metres from the building, in front of Newport Bowls Club on Market St. Victorian Accessible Parking Permit holders are entitled to park in a standard parking bay for double the time displayed on the parking sign.

Bike
There are two bike racks less than 100 metres from the building, as well as a PTV Parkiteer bike cage in the car park at the front of The Substation.

Visitors may enter The Substation using the ramp or stairs at the main entrance. There is a lift on the ground floor, to the left of the foyer, providing access to levels 1 and 2.

Please check the What’s On section of this website for specific access information for events, performances and exhibitions.

Toilets
There are gender-neutral toilets on every level, including wheelchair accessible toilets on the ground floor (left hand toilet) and level 2 (right hand toilet). Baby change facilities are located in the ground floor accessible bathroom.

Assistance Dogs
Guide and assistance dogs are welcome at The Substation.

Companion Card
Companion card holders are eligible to receive a free companion ticket when purchasing their ticket. We accept companion cards registered in Victoria and interstate.

Auslan Interpretation
Some events at The Substation are live Auslan interpreted. Please check event listings on our website for more information.

Exhibition Wall Labels
PDF versions of wall labels for each exhibition are available via our website where possible.

We are committed to continually improving our services to ensure our events can be enjoyed by all. If you have specific access requirements including seating arrangements for events please get in touch via info@thesubstation.org.au or call us on (03) 9391 1110.

Our gallery exhibitions are free to visit and bookings are not required.

Tickets for events and performances are available for purchase online via the What's On section of our website, over the phone during opening hours or in venue. Tickets are non-refundable and exchanges are subject to availability.

To exchange tickets booked under your account online:

• Click MY ACCOUNT on The Substation website.
• Enter your email address and password. (If you have forgotten your password, click ‘Lost Password’, enter your email and click ‘Continue’ and a new password will be sent to you.)
• Once logged in, under the BOOKINGS tab, you will see a list of your bookings. Locate the relevant booking and click ‘Exchange Tickets’.
• A box will appear – check the details and click ‘Exchange’.
• Find the new session you would like to attend and add ticket/s to your cart.
• Complete the checkout process and pay the exchange fee and any differences in ticket prices.
• Your new ticket/s will be emailed to you.
• Alternatively, please call us (03) 9391 1110 during opening hours or email us at boxoffice@thesubstation.org.au
  

Our small foyer bookshop and bar are open whenever The Substation is open. The bookshop is stocked with books, magazines, vinyl, CDs and merchandise related to our program from artists and publishers including Incendium Radical Library, Slow Burn Books and Room40.

Grab a drink and enjoy The Substation's interior. We serve wine, beer, soft drinks, tea and batch brewed coffee at the bar.

The Substation Billboard Gallery is located outdoors on the east wall of the building, parallel to the train line. Please check the What’s On section of this website for information about the current exhibition.

Access from The Substation
For step-free access, follow the footpath from The Substation along Market St to Newport train station, approximately 340 metres.

Access from Newport train station
Follow the signs to The Substation. Exit the train station toward Market St, turning left up the ramp. The ramp has a steep gradient and may be difficult for some wheelchair users. The Billboards are approximately 140 metres ahead along a step-free path, parallel to the train line.

The Billboard Gallery can also be accessed via two sets of stairs and a small platform, via the carpark in front of The Substation, next to the Parkiteer bike cage. There are approximately 10 steps either side of the platform.

To ensure all visitors to The Substation feel safe and supported when attending events, exhibitions and on-site meetings, we regularly review and update our COVIDSafe Plan in response to changing Victorian Government COVID-19 guidelines.

On this page you’ll find a range of safety and hygiene measures that enable a COVID-safe environment. Please review carefully as the guidelines may vary depending on the nature of your visit.

WHAT HEALTH AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS HAVE THE SUBSTATION PUT IN PLACE?

Vaccination Status
Proof of vaccination status is no longer required for visitors.

Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning and sanitising of our venue and publicly accessible areas will occur throughout the day.

Box Office
You can book tickets online (via our website) or in venue via contactless payment. Our gallery exhibitions are free to visit and bookings are not required.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP, ONCE INSIDE THE BUILDING?

Mask Wearing
We strongly encourage all visitors and staff to wear a fitted face mask whilst indoors at The Substation.

Wash Your Hands
Hand sanitiser is available upon entry to all venues, events and activity spaces. We also encourage visitors to wash hands regularly with soap, which is supplied in all our bathrooms.

Be Mindful of Physical Distancing
Please ensure you stay at least 1.5 metres from others when moving around our site.

WOULD YOU LIKE MORE INFORMATION?

For more information you are welcome to download and read our COVIDSafe Plan or contact us.

Updated 15 March 2023